MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) plans to seek congressional action regulating social media-based news operations following the arrest of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta in an alleged extortion case involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
NBI Director Mevin Matibag said the agency wants clearer standards separating legitimate journalism from online personalities who allegedly portray themselves as members of the media without professional credentials.
The statement came after Mabanta described his arrest as an assault on press freedom.
Mabanta and four others were arrested in Pasig City earlier this week after Romualdez’s camp accused them of demanding up to P350 million in exchange for withholding the release of a video allegedly linking the former speaker to corruption.
Matibag insisted the case should not be viewed through a political lens, saying the government must address the growing number of online platforms claiming to operate as news organizations.
He emphasized that the proposed measure would not suppress free speech but instead establish guidelines and accountability for social media entities presenting themselves as part of the press.
The NBI chief said he has already instructed personnel to prepare a draft bill and has started consulting lawmakers regarding the proposal.
Matibag also cast doubt on the purpose of the alleged exposé video, questioning why it remained unreleased despite reportedly being completed months ago.
According to him, investigators believe the material was intended to pressure Romualdez into paying a large sum of money rather than informing the public.
He further claimed that the amount allegedly sought was first pegged at P350 million before negotiations supposedly reduced it to P300 million.
Authorities are now reviewing the 90-minute video referenced by Mabanta in a previous public statement.
Mabanta earlier claimed that PGMN spent five months conducting detailed research into alleged corruption involving Romualdez while serving as House Speaker. He said the video had already been edited and contained substantial evidence.
Romualdez’s camp rejected claims that the matter involved press freedom, arguing instead that the complaint centered on alleged extortion and demands for payment in exchange for silence.
The accused were transferred Thursday evening to the NBI detention facility in Muntinlupa City while awaiting court proceedings.
Matibag said the Pasig City Regional Trial Court will determine whether bail may be granted. As of Thursday, authorities had yet to disclose the recommended bail amount.
Mabanta and his co-respondents are facing robbery-extortion charges linked to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
ia/xf
